Realizing the Energy Potential of Methane Hydrate for the United States

Natural gas, composed mostly of methane, is the cleanest of all the fossil fuels, emitting 25-50% less carbon dioxide than either oil or coal for each unit of energy produced. In recent years, natural gas supplied approximately 20-25% of all energy consumed in the United States. Methane hydrate is a potentially enormous and as yet untapped source of methane. The Department of Energy's Methane Hydrate Research and Development Program has been tasked since 2000 to implement and coordinate a national methane hydrate research effort to stimulate the development of knowledge and technology necessary for commercial production of methane from methane hydrate in a safe and environmentally responsible way. Realizing the Energy Potential of Methane Hydrate for the United States evaluates the program's research projects and management processes since its congressional re-authorization in 2005, and presents recommendations for its future research and development initiatives. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Methane Hydrate Research in the United States 2 State of the Science: Recent Advances and Current Challenges in Methane Hydrate Research 3 Review of Central Research Efforts Within the Methane Hydrate Research and Development Program 4 Coordinating Process for the Methane Hydrate Research and Development Program 5 Conclusions and Recommendations Appendixes Appendix A: Legislative Authorization Language H.R. 6 - Energy Policy Act of 2005 Section 968. Methane Hydrate Research Appendix B: Committee and Staff Biographical Sketches Appendix C: Presentations to the Committee Appendix D: Comparison of Units of Measurement of Amounts of Methane by Volume and Weight Appendix E: Program Authorizations and Appropriations FY 2000-2010 Appendix F: Project Summary Table